NUFC face "difficult" situation as European club now in "box-seat" for Howe target - journalist

Newcastle United face a difficult task in pulling off the signing of LOSC Lille defender Sven Botman as AC Milan are ‘in the box seat’ for him, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Magpies were heavily linked to the 22-year-old throughout the January transfer window but now seemingly face an uphill battle to secure his signature when the market reopens for business.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Milan are ‘really close’ to completing a deal to bring Botman to the club, with talks said to be at an ‘advanced’ stage and the player ‘ready to accept’ their proposal.

The latest update follows months of speculation surrounding the centre-back’s future after Newcastle refused to meet his price tag in the winter.

According to The Telegraph, a fee of around £30 million had been discussed between Eddie Howe’s charges and Lille for Botman before negotiations reached an impasse.

Sky Sports then claimed that Newcastle refused to match the reigning French champions’ £36m asking price for the 6 foot 5 beast, opening the door to other interested parties.

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And as recently as February, co-owner Amanda Staveley claimed that Botman ‘desperately wanted to come’ to St. James’ Park in January and that he still ‘very much’ does.

However, that no longer appears to be the case as Serie A league leaders Milan are close to finalising a move for the Netherlands Under-21 international.

Despite their long-standing interest in Botman, Newcastle appear set to miss out on the towering defender, and O’Rourke has confirmed the youngster is keen on ‘a move to Italy’.

He told GiveMeSport: “Sven Botman is a difficult one with AC Milan probably in the box seat to